Statement from FSNHS on the Resumption of Full Operations

With the enactment of the continuing resolution, staff at Fort Scott National Historic Site will have begun the process of resuming normal operations today, and anticipate all regular operations by tomorrow, Sunday, January 27, 2019.

Please visit www.nps.gov/fosc for updated information about the park.

Fort Scott National Historic Site employees are happy to be back at work, serving the American people and welcoming visitors to their national parks.

“We anticipate all regular operations by tomorrow, Sunday, January 27,”  said Carl Brenner, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management.

The United States was plunged into World War II on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor. Thousands of Kansas patriots were among the millions who left their civilian jobs and joined the military in response to a presidential call to arms.

Heroic Kansas women were among those sixteen million females who answered the call to work on assembly lines, farms, in shipyards, airplane factories, and other institutions in support of the military overseas.

Rosie the Riveter became the iconic image of World War II’s working women. She was the star of a campaign to recruit females to work in defense industries. American Legion Auxiliary President Karen Hasting announced an initiative to honor their service and share their stories with future generations of Americans.

“The Auxiliary wants to recognize its Kansas Rosies for their inspiring patriotism and service to Kansas and the United States,” Hasting said. “The Department of Kansas American Legion Auxiliary will honor its known Rosie the Riveters during the American Legion’s Mid-winter Forum.

Auxiliary Vice-president Paula Sellens is spearheading the effort to identify Rosies.

“The Auxiliary is issuing a call for Rosies,” Sellens said. “Our known Rosies will be honored in a ceremony in Dodge City, Kansas on February 1, 2019. We’re asking that everyone that knows of a Kansas Rosie, living or deceased, to call me at 620-255-9339 or send information by email to: [email protected].”

I-70 between Colby and WaKeeney has just closed this morning in both directions because of winter weather conditions. Several other highways in western Kansas are closed as well.

For up-to-date information on road closures and road conditions, check travel information online at www.kandrive.org, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

The American Red Cross is having a Fort Scott Community Blood Drive at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott, following the holidays.

Wednesday, Dec. 26 from 1 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. donors are encouraged to donate.

Please call 620-223-5946 to schedule an appointment.

Fort Scott KS – During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park grounds at Fort Scott National Historic Site will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited.

There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Fort Scott National Historic Site, including public information, restrooms, trash collection, and facilities and roads maintenance (including plowing and snow removal if applicable).

Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions. All park programs have been canceled, including: Fort Guided Tours.

Please visit www.nps.gov/fosc for park information and www.nps.gov and select “Find a Park” for additional information about access to other parks and sites.

For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.

Fort Scott KS –  The Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Visitor Center and fort buildings will be closed and no programs will be offered on Christmas day and New Year’s day (December 25, 2018 and January 1, 2019) to allow staff to celebrate the holidays with their families. Regular winter hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.

Please visit our website for pictures and information about the fort, as well as its role in U.S. history and the shaping of the west. Information on visiting can be found on the Plan Your Visit page of our website (www.nps.gov/fosc), by calling 620-223-0310, or by emailing us.